corn futures

A Sell Off In Corn Futures

The sell-off in corn futures the last two weeks looks overdone in our view. July corn set a new contract low early week near the $4.12 level. December new crop was closing in on lows from back in August 2024 near $4.38 and three quarters. That sell-off, the second half of last week especially, took net long positions to no more than 60,000 …

corn

Why Is Corn Called Corn? The Surprising History Behind Agriculture’s Most Familiar Crop

What’s in a Name? When most Americans hear the word “corn,” they immediately think of the tall green stalks that dominate fields across the Midwest. For generations, corn has been one of the most important crops in American agriculture, serving as a foundation for food production, livestock feed, biofuels, and countless industrial products. But the story behind the word “corn” …

cross-check

From Cross-Check Planting to Modern Corn Rows: How Charles Deere Helped Transform Corn Production

The Evolution of Corn Planting in Early American Agriculture American agriculture has undergone remarkable changes since the nation’s earliest farming days. One of the most significant advancements came in the way farmers planted corn, a staple crop that helped fuel the growth of the United States. According to agricultural historian Mark Oppold, corn planting methods in the late 1700s and …

Deere

How Deere & Mansour Revolutionized Corn Planting in 19th Century America

American agriculture in the mid-1800s was undergoing rapid transformation as farmers searched for better tools to improve productivity and efficiency. One of the greatest challenges of the era was achieving accurate corn planting, a critical factor in maximizing yields and reducing wasted seed. The solution came through an innovative partnership that would leave a lasting mark on agricultural history. Recognizing …

grain

Grain Trade Seeing Lower Lows At Harvest

Bottom Line grain analysts wonder if the grain trade is getting a little ahead of itself here in early June. Corn, soybean, wheat futures all seeing lower lows on a regular basis. Wheat in fact is lower 10 sessions in a row, even with conditions here at harvest the lowest in 37 years. Harvest pressure is here, combines rolling in …

popcorn

Popcorn’s Remarkable Journey Through American Agricultural History

Popcorn is more than just a favorite movie snack — it is a crop deeply rooted in agricultural history, innovation, and American resilience. From its ancient beginnings in Central America to becoming an affordable staple during the Great Depression, popcorn has played an important role in both farming and food culture across generations. According to agricultural historian Mark Oppold, popcorn’s …

corn futures

Optimism in Corn Futures

Bottom Line grain analysts suggest keeping an eye on corn futures, a rally back above $5 from just two weeks ago. December corn reached a 52-week high, $5.06 and a half on May 13th, and quickly backed off toward the $4.80 level, good planning progress, favorable weather in most major areas, and continued uncertainty on any resolution with Iran. Bottom Line analysts say those …

corn

Crop Planting Progress Report for Corn and Soybeans Released by USDA

As growers continue to plant this year’s crops, USDA has released the Crop Planting Progress Report across the country. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey provided the update starting with corn. “Looking at our 18 production states listed in the USDA NAS table, we saw progress greater than 20% planted during the week in six of those states, led by North Dakota, a …

exports

A Look at US Ag Exports

The U.S. is highly competitive in agricultural production and the largest agricultural exporter in the world. In 2024, exports were estimated to total $181 billion. Given that the world population is expected to reach nearly $10 billion by 2050, the U.S. is well-positioned to be the source of agricultural products to feed a growing population. Moreover, global gross domestic product is expected to grow …